The more tightly you control your blood sugar, the better. Small improvements can have a big impact on your health.

The A1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over a period of months. The result is given as a percentage score, from 6% to 12%. And an A1c level below 6% is normal for people who do not have diabetes. People with diabetes should aim for an A1c score of 7% or less.

A 1% drop in your A1c score greatly reduces your risk for having diabetes complications. Here is what a 1% decrease in the A1c score means for those with type 2 diabetes: